The Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH) is seeking an Epidemiologist 1 to join the antibiotic stewardship team to assist with monitoring antibiotic use (AU) and antibiotic resistance (AR) using the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN), the State Electronic Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (SendSS), and other data sources related to antimicrobial use. The Epidemiologist  1 will work closely with Georgia healthcare providers and associations, the Georgia Public Health Laboratory, and epidemiologists in our 18 health districts.
 
The Epidemiologist  1 provides assistance and expertise for conducting surveillance, investigating antimicrobial use in select AR outbreaks, and analyzing and interpreting data.
 

• Monitors and uses data from a variety of sources, including NHSN, CMS, and SendSS to summarize and inform team needs for interventions and effectiveness of response efforts
• Analyzes data and creates reports to distribute to internal team members and to the healthcare community
• Participates in AUR surveillance, investigation, prevention and control activities; ensures that AUR information is accurate, complete and reported in a timely manner
• Analyzes data gathered during epidemiologic investigations using appropriate statistical methods and computer software
• Provides guidance on methods for data analysis and type of study conducted  

• Gathers, compiles, and helps epidemiologists analyze data from NHSN AUR module, CMS datasets, or other projects related to antibiotic use
• Supports provider communication and implements plans to increase use of AR Laboratory testing of isolates for Expanded Antimicrobial Testing Program.
• Performs other duties as required.

Master’s degree in Public Health or closely related field from an accredited college or university
OR
Bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited college or university AND Two years of experience performing epidemiologic work or work in a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications
MPH or MSPH from an Association of Schools of Public Health accredited program, with a concentration in Epidemiology or at least 24 credit hours in epidemiology and/or biostatistics. At least one year of experience performing epidemiologic activities.  Relevant knowledge of job area indicated by at least three graduate-level credit hours or one year of work experience in that area. 
Preference will be given to applicants who in addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, possess experience in the following: 

• Broad knowledge of principles of public health practice, especially those applicable to the surveillance, prevention and control of infectious diseases
• Broad knowledge of principles of public health surveillance, including electronic disease reporting and syndromic surveillance
• Specific knowledge of principles, practices and investigative procedures of infectious disease epidemiology
• Specific knowledge of and ability to conduct statistical procedures used in epidemiologic analysis including SAS and geographic/spatial analysis
• Ability to report on epidemiological studies relating to various communicable diseases
• Ability to quickly learn and accurately interpret federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations and policies relating to communicable diseases
• Ability to provide technical assistance to medical practitioners, hospital staff, public health officials, agency staff, businesses and lay people
• Ability to effectively communicate with health care professionals, state and local officials, public health officials, and laypeople, verbally and in writing and individually or in group settings
• Ability to coordinate and maintain effective working relationships with various internal and external customers and stakeholders.

Georgia Department of Public Health Commissioner and  leaders encourages all employees to engage in regular wellness activities and to make lifestyle choices that promote health and well-being.

The use of wellness breaks during the workday is authorized to support this philosophy and assist employees in meeting their wellness goals.  A maximum of 30 minutes in a given workday may be used to engage in wellness activities, generally in the form of two 15-minute breaks or one 30-minute break.